"James is one of the 10 best midfielders in the world"

Panama central defender Jose Angel Cordoba said Saturday, after being knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Copa America, that Colombia "is going to do great things" and pointed to James Rodriguez as the "key" player of the 'Cafetero' team.

"James is the key. Today he brings a lot to the national team, he is a top player, he is one of the 10 best midfielders in the world. I congratulate him for the good player he is and for the many sacrifices he has made," said the defender.

"We are happy for the level we have shown everyone in the tournament. We know we have to improve many things, but this tournament is going to help us," he said.

"It has been a long and very difficult road. With so little, we are doing a lot, and we will continue to improve. Panama is growing little by little," he added.

Colombia swept Panama, who were playing in the quarterfinals of the Copa America for the first time, 5-0 on Saturday.